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Randolph Joins Morris County Stigma-Free Movement

Posted: October 13, 2017

November 1, 2017 Conference Scheduled
Entitled “Removing the Stigma of Mental Illness and Addiction: Building Healthy Communities,” the conference will be held at the Morristown Medical Center at 100 Madison Avenue in Morristown, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Complete details about this public event

The Randolph Township Council recently passed a resolution to declare the township stigma-free, making it the 24th town to join the Morris County “Stigma-Free” initiative that aims to help eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness and substance abuse disorders.

This grass roots initiative recognizes the high prevalence of mental illness and substance use disorders in our communities, and promotes re-education and understanding that can help lead to treatment and recovery—minus the stigma associated with these illnesses.

“I am very happy that Randolph has joined the Morris County Stigma-Free initiative,” said Randolph Mayor Christine Carey. “This initiative recognizes that the stigma associated with mental illness, including substance abuse disorders, has been identified as the primary reason individuals fail to seek help. We want to create a culture in our community that supports our residents in asking for help and in seeking treatment.

The county’s goal in creating a stigma-free initiative is to disseminate information and foster a stigma-free environment where people are free from judgment and can get the help they need to recover. It has created a stigma-free website to call attention to the initiative, provide information and resources, and a calendar of upcoming events related to mental illness and substance abuse. A stigma-free toolkit also is available for towns and communities.